PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and PTSD. Service connection is granted for these conditions. The claim for cervical spine disability remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, vertigo/dizziness and Meniere's disease due to insufficient medical evidence. The claim for an increased rating for left shoulder strain is also being remanded.

The Veteran's representative and the VA Office of General Counsel requested a remand for further development due to an issue regarding his entitlement to a TDIU rating prior to December 15, 2009. The Board found that referral to the Director, Compensation Service, for extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. However, service connection for PTSD was denied due to a lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for an increased evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD and a retroactive effective date. The Board has determined that these issues require further development.

The Veteran's tension headaches are found to be related to his service-connected tinnitus and anxiety disorders.,The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder with panic disorder and major depressive disorder is found to be related to his service-connected tinnitus, left ankle injury, and anxiety disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for left knee arthritis.,His initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the case is returned to the Board for further consideration.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks and alcohol use disorder is granted a 70 percent rating. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability and cervical spine strain are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions provided by VA examiners regarding service connection for COPD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety).

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 25, 2015. Prior to that date, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for his PTSD and is now receiving an increased rating to 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for PTSD and depression. A VA examination is needed to assess all current psychiatric diagnoses and their relation to service.

The Veteran's appeals seeking increased ratings and an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing their appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in August 1998, but reopened and granted effective September 10, 2014. The Board found no earlier petition to reopen the claim prior to September 10, 2014.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal of the claim for service connection for PTSD, and as a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 50 percent for service-connected PTSD was denied. The effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been evaluated at the maximum available ratings, while his coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass grafting and PTSD warrant further evaluation.,Coronary artery disease requires METs testing to determine its severity. The current examination did not include this test.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is warranted. Additionally, the TDIU claim is being remanded due to issues with the current examination.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have worsened since his last VA examination in August 2013, necessitating a new evaluation to determine the appropriate rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, but granted service connection for a left collar bone disability and left shoulder degenerative changes. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not related to his military service.